Just how intense will the race for the open seat in South Carolina&rsquo;s new Myrtle Beach-anchored 7th district be? The numbers tell the tale: There are now at least seven candidates in the race.

Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice (R), considered a serious contender, filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission last week. Republicans with knowledge of South Carolina politics said Rice would likely get significant support from business leaders.

&ldquo;The Myrtle Beach business community sees Tom Rice as a steady, older alternative to [state Rep.] Thad Viers,&rdquo; a Republican operative in the state said in an email. &ldquo;While Viers&rsquo; voting record is strong, Myrtle Beach insiders aren&rsquo;t necessarily looking for the most conservative voice in Congress,&rdquo; the source said. &ldquo;[T]hey want a pragmatist, not an ideologue.&rdquo;

The majority of votes in the GOP primary are likely to be from Horry County.

In the GOP primary, Rice will face, among others, Viers and former Lt. Gov. Andr&eacute; Bauer. Roll Call rates the 7th as Safe Republican.